This study investigated the protective effects of vanillin against acute brain damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in rats. The study was performed on 32 male rats divided into four groups: a control group, vanillin group ([Va] 150 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and CCl(4) toxication groups received a single injection of CCl(4) (1 ml/kg, i.p.; CCl(4) and Va + CCl(4) groups). The degree of protection in brain tissue was evaluated by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO). Vanillin showed a significant brain-protective effect by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation and NO(2) and elevated the activities of antioxidative enzymes and level of GSH. Consequently vanillin blocked oxidative brain damage induced by CCl(4) in rats.